The Unbelievable Legacy Of "The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)" 12 Years Later

Over a decade after its debut, the question "What Does the Fox Say?" remains one of the internet's most enduring and baffling pop culture moments. Released in September 2013, the song, officially titled "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" by the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis, was never meant to be a serious musical endeavor. Instead, it was an accidental viral sensation created as a promotional teaser for their late-night talk show. Yet, this novelty track achieved a level of global success that most professional musicians only dream of, cementing its place in the history of digital media and modern music.

As of late 2025, the song’s legacy is a fascinating case study in virality, musical parody, and the unpredictable nature of the internet. It wasn't just a fleeting YouTube phenomenon; it was a genuine global chart success, proving that sometimes, the most bizarre and absurd concepts can achieve the highest levels of mainstream recognition. The story of Ylvis and their iconic question is a testament to the power of a catchy electronic dance beat and a truly ridiculous premise.

The Brothers Ylvisåker: A Complete Comedy Duo Biography

Ylvis is a Norwegian comedy and musical duo consisting of the brothers Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker. They have been prominent figures in the Norwegian entertainment industry for over two decades, long before their accidental global breakthrough. Their career is built on a foundation of variety shows, comedy concerts, and television programs, showcasing their unique blend of musical talent and absurdist humor.

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• Vegard Ylvisåker
  • Born: 1979
  • Role: Older of the two performing brothers, known for his deadpan humor and musical versatility.
  • Career Start: Debuted professionally with Bård in 2000.
• Bård Ylvisåker
  • Born: March 21, 1982
  • Role: Younger brother, often taking on the more energetic and theatrical roles in their performances.
  • Education: Attended schools in Bergen, Norway, where the duo is primarily based.
• Early Career & Shows (Pre-Fox)
  • The brothers debuted as professional variety artists in 2000.
  • They gained significant recognition in Norway through a series of successful stage shows and comedy concerts.
  • Their television work includes the popular Norwegian talk show I kveld med Ylvis (Tonight with Ylvis), which ran from 2011 to 2016 and was the direct source of "The Fox."
• Post-Fox Projects & Current Status
  • Following the global success of "The Fox," they continued their work in Norwegian television.
  • Notable later projects include the comedy documentary series Stories from Norway (2018).
  • They remain active in the entertainment scene, focusing on live performances and new television concepts.

The Accidental Viral Hit: Production, Release, and Unstoppable Chart History

The origin story of "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" is as bizarre as the song itself, highlighting its status as an accidental hit. The song was never intended for commercial release. It was created purely as a segment for the third season of their talk show, *I kveld med Ylvis*, where the brothers wanted to create a deliberately bad, yet catchy, electronic dance music (EDM) track.

The brothers, Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker, approached the renowned Norwegian production team Stargate for help. Stargate, a duo consisting of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen, are international hitmakers responsible for tracks by artists like Rihanna and Katy Perry. As a favor to Ylvis, Stargate produced the track, lending it a polished, high-quality EDM sound that ironically clashed with the song’s nonsensical lyrics about animal sounds.

Released on September 3, 2013, the accompanying music video quickly went viral on YouTube, becoming the top trending video of 2013. What followed was a chart performance that stunned the music industry:

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• US Billboard Hot 100: The song peaked at a shocking number 6, a remarkable achievement for a comedy track, and spent several weeks in the top ten.
• Norway (VG-lista): It reached number 1 in their home country.
• UK Charts: It peaked at number 17 on the main UK Singles Chart and number 27 on the Official Independent Singles Chart.
• Global Sales: It sold over 1.5 million digital copies in the US alone.

The song’s success was fueled by its infectious beat, the bizarre, repetitive chorus ("Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!"), and the curiosity-driven title. It transcended the typical "novelty song" label by achieving genuine, sustained commercial success across major music markets, which is a rare feat for a track created purely for a television comedy sketch.

The Lasting Cultural Impact and The Ylvis Legacy

More than a decade later, "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" is no longer a current hit, but a cultural touchstone. Its influence extends far beyond its initial release, serving as a landmark example of the modern viral phenomenon. The song and its music video, which has amassed well over a billion views, demonstrated the sheer power of YouTube as a launchpad for global hits, bypassing traditional music industry gatekeepers.

The Topical Authority of Animal Sounds in Pop Culture

The song's core concept—the sound of the fox—sparked a genuine, albeit humorous, discussion about animal sounds and folklore. The lyrics list common animal noises (dog, cat, cow) before questioning the fox, an animal whose vocalizations are less commonly known. This simple, curiosity-based premise resonated globally, turning the track into a conversation starter.

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The song inspired countless parodies, covers, and cultural references, including:**

• Children's Books: The song was adapted into a successful children’s picture book, capitalizing on the family-friendly nature of the animal theme.
• Media Appearances: The brothers performed the song on major US television programs, including *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* and *Late Night with Jimmy Fallon*.
• Pop Culture Memes: The song’s iconic dance moves and bizarre animal sound lyrics became instant meme fodder, ensuring its longevity in internet culture.

Ylvis After the Fox

For Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker, "The Fox" was a peak that was impossible to top, but it did not define the end of their career. They returned to their roots in Norwegian entertainment, continuing with their talk show *I kveld med Ylvis* until 2016. They have since focused on creating high-quality, witty content for the Norwegian market, including their critically acclaimed series *Stories from Norway*.

While their subsequent musical releases, such as "Trucker's Hitch" and "Language of Love," did not replicate the global viral success of "The Fox," they maintained the duo's signature blend of high-production value and absurd comedy. The Ylvisåker brothers have successfully navigated the challenge of being known for a single, massive novelty hit by continuing to produce content true to their comedic vision, proving that their talent extends far beyond a single, unforgettable question. The song remains a powerful reminder of a time when a simple, silly question could unite the entire internet.